Your Christmas Grocery Shopping List (and a Printable!)
Updated: Feb. 21, 2024
Christmas is coming! Is your shopping complete? We're talking about your Christmas menu shopping, of course! Get our free printable for an easy, stress-free grocery run.
While Thanksgiving might be the food holiday of the year, there’s no doubt that Christmas can be just as much work. With cookie swaps, Christmas Eve appetizers, Christmas morning brunch, a fabulous dinner and all the occasions in between, there are a lot of moving parts. And you don’t want to forget a single thing!
That’s where we come in. We’ve got a list (and we’ve checked it twice!) to help you cook up the perfect Christmas.
Download Your Free Christmas Grocery Shopping List
To build this Christmas shopping list, we compiled all the basic ingredients you need to host your best-ever holiday, from brunch to dessert. Of course, you’ll want to jot down a few of those extra ingredients that make your Christmas recipes uniquely yours, too!
Christmas Cookies
- Butter (and plenty of it!)
- Eggs
- Flour
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Fill your kitchen with holiday cheer with this Christmas songs playlist.
Gingerbread SpritzI get so busy during the Christmas season that cutout cookies are a hassle. But I love gingerbread and spritz cookies so I combined my favorite recipes and was pleased at the results.—Sherry Gazelka, Iron, Minnesota
Peanut Butter Kiss CookiesEveryone who tries these beloved gems is amazed that they use only five ingredients. Baking cookies doesn't get much easier than this. —Dee Davis, Sun City, Arizona
Spiced Eggnog Rum CookiesOne year, when I had a lot of eggnog on hand, I created a new holiday cookie recipe. The flavor is subtle, but somehow the eggnog transforms regular sugar cookies into something exceptional for the holidays. —Mark Banick, Turner, Oregon
Gingerbread Christmas Cards'Tis the season for mailing out Christmas cards and gift packages stuffed with homemade cookies. Why not save time and combine the two? Royal icing is the perfect backdrop for you to customize a delicious, heartfelt holiday greeting. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ice Cream KolachkesThese sweet pastries have Polish and Czech roots and can also be spelled "kolaches." They are usually filled with poppy seeds, nuts, jam or a mashed fruit mixture. The ice cream is a unique twist on traditional kolachkes, and it's simplest to use a square cookie cutter to cut the dough. —Diane Turner, Brunswick, Ohio
Chocolate Crinkle CookiesWhen I baked this moist, fudgy chocolate crinkle cookie recipe for the first time, my three preschool children went wild over them! But I like them because they're lower in fat and easy to mix and bake. —Maria Groff, Ephrata, Pennsylvania
Cranberry Nut SwirlsThis recipe originated with my sister-in-law. It gets used a lot over the holidays when we want to pull a fast one on the guys in our family. They claim they don't like cranberries in any shape or form, but everyone enjoys these. —Carla Hodenfield, Ray, North Dakota
Snowy Mountain CookiesI was so excited to bake these with my mom after coming home from studying abroad in Germany. They remind me of the Swabian Alps I could see from my room there. Be careful not to overheat the white chocolate; it’ll lose that attractive shine. —Stephanie Bouley, North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Grandma's Raspberry RugelachI remember sitting on my great-grandmother's couch with a pad and pen in hand as she told me each ingredient and measurement for her special rugelach. Her recipe stands apart because it's a fun twist from typical versions. —Dalya Rubin, Boca Raton, Florida
Linzer TartsWith a creamy chocolate and hazelnut filling, these decadent Christmas cookies look and taste amazing. Guests will never guess how relatively easy they are to make. —Mary Maddox, Bellmore, New York
Colorful Candy Bar CookiesNo one will guess these sweet treats with the candy bar center start with store-bought dough. Roll them in colored sugar or just dip the tops for even faster assembly. Instead of using miniature candy bars for the centers, you can also slice regular-size Snickers candy bars into 1-inch pieces. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Thumbprint Butter CookiesThese buttery little rounds add beautiful color to a platter of treats. Fill the thumbprint in the center with any fruit preserves you like. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tender Pecan LogsFolks always ask me to make these tender nutty logs. Not overly sweet, they're just right with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. —Joyce Beck, Gadsden, Alabama
Cherry SnowballsA juicy maraschino cherry is the secret center tucked inside these special cookies. My mom was inspired to create this by a recipe she clipped out of a newspaper more than 30 years ago. —Evy Adams, West Seneca, New York
Big Soft Ginger CookiesThese ginger cookies are soft, easy to make and loaded with the flavors of fall.
Christmas Lights CookiesWhat better way to brighten chilly winter days than with light-shaped cookies? My classic dough recipe has been a holiday tradition in our family for years. —Carolyn Moseley, Dayton, Ohio
TorcettiOur Sicilian grandmother often had my sister and me roll out the dough for these tasty torcetti. These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth good without being overly sweet. —Joy Quici, Upland, California
Yeti CookiesWhen the weather outside is frightful, these smiley guys are so delightful. And they really know how to celebrate the season. Let it snow! —Shannon Roum, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Finnish PinwheelsWhen my sister was hosting an exchange student from Finland, she served these cookies I'd made to her guest. The young lady instantly recognized what they were. So I know they're still being made in our ancestors' country. —Ilona Barron, Ontonagon, Michigan
Gingerbread CookiesYou can make a variety of festive holiday shapes with this gingerbread cookie recipe. Decorate each cutout with frosting or icing, sprinkles and gumdrops!
Chocolate Hazelnut ShortbreadWe love hazelnut flavor and cookies that aren’t too sweet, so this recipe is perfect for us! If you like your cookies on the sweeter side, bake up these crisp beauties and slather some Nutella between two to create an extra-special sandwich cookie. —Karla Johnson, East Helena, Montana
Italian Holiday CookiesMany of our holiday traditions center around the foods my mother made while I was growing up. These cookies, which we called "Strufoli", bring back wonderful memories. —Sue Seymour, Valatie, New York
Snow Globe Keepsake CookiesMake holiday magic! These extra-special ornaments are totally customizable—each filled with a little snowfall of edible sprinkles. Let it snow in your house with the prettiest of decorative cookie keepsakes. —Josh Rink, Food Stylist, Taste of Home magazine
Chocolate GingersnapsWhen my daughter Jennifer was 15 years old, she created this recipe as a way to combine two of her favorite flavors. They're perfect with a glass of milk. —Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah
Gingerbread Yule LogsI was never fond of gingerbread until I rolled it up with Nutella. These logs are a fabulous addition to any cookie platter. —Terri Gilson, Calgary, Alberta
ShortbreadI live in Missouri, but many of our family recipes come from New Zealand, where I lived as a youngster. I proudly claim a Down Under heritage! These special-occasion cookies bring back warm and sweet memories of my childhood, and I'm going to make sure they're passed on to the next generation in my family—no matter where they live. —A. Swenson, Camdenton, Missouri
SnickerdoodlesThis snickerdoodle recipe bakes up a batch of soft, tender cinnamon-sugar cookies. Don't forget the cream of tartar!
Berry-Almond Sandwich CookiesAlmond shortbread cookies cradle a delightful berry filling for this Christmas cookie favorite. The recipe is undeniably good. —Helga Schlape, Florham Park, New Jersey
Raspberry Pistachio ThumbprintsThumbprint cookies are a Christmas classic, and I especially like my updated version with pistachios. The rich, buttery bites are not only delicious, but they are also pretty enough to give for gifts—if you manage to share them! —Laura Murphy, Columbus, Mississippi
Fruitcake Christmas CookiesA twist on classic fruitcake, these easy fruitcake cookies are as festive as they are fun to bake.
Buttery Spritz CookiesSpritz cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays, or for any time during the year when you want a soft and delightful treat!
Chocolate Mint DreamsSince chocolate and mint is my favorite flavor combination, these dainty frosted treats are hard to resist. But I manage to save some for guests, because they make my cookie trays look so elegant. —Anne Revers, Omaha, Nebraska
Italian Rainbow CookiesColorful, gorgeously layered and filled with yummy almond, raspberry and chocolate flavors, our Italian rainbow cookies will be a recurring presence on your annual holiday cookie tray.
Chocolate Mexican Wedding CakesThese spiced balls are a yummy twist on a traditional favorite. Sometimes I add mini chocolate chips to the dough and, after baking, dip the cooled cookies in melted almond bark. —Joanne Valkema, Freeport, Illinois
Holly WreathsI've never come across another spritz cookie like this - one calling for cream cheese as an ingredient. That helps to keep these wreaths moist a long time, while also adding a delicious flavor. —Dee Lein, Longmont, Colorado
Berry-Filled Butter RibbonsTangy boysenberry is an unusual for a cookie, but it goes well with chocolate. I change the sprinkles and even the type of chocolate to suit the season.—Amy Sauerwalt, Columbia, Maryland
Austrian Walnut CookiesKnown as palatschinkens in Austria, these rich cookies melt in your mouth. The delicate, tender pastry surrounds a walnut filling that's just sweet enough. The recipe comes from a co-worker who was known for her wonderful baked goods. —Donna Gaston, Coplay, Pennsylvania
Kolacky CookiesA flaky cream-cheese dough makes these walnut-filled kolacky cookies a joy to bite into. Make these when you want to wow your friends or when your family wants something sweet during a holiday.
Drizzled Gingerbread BiscottiAfter stumbling across a community recipe for gingerbread biscotti, I made several batches and tweaked it to our tastes. These became an instant obsession at our house.—Susan Board, Palmer, Alaska
Raspberry Coconut BallsMy family loves Hostess Zingers, especially the raspberry flavor coated with coconut, inspiring this treat to make for school bake sales. We can make about four dozen in 30 minutes, and they sell out fast! —Pam Clark, Wheaton, Illinois
Coconut Christmas MiceOff-the-charts cuteness makes it nearly impossible for guests to resist these fluffy, coconutty treats. Luckily, they’re really easy to make—no oven needed. Merry Christ-mouse to you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Holiday Meringue MiniaturesMy kids love these light melt-in-your-mouth cookies, and we have fun making them. These were always on our Christmas cookie plate when I was a kid, and now the tradition continues. —Susan Marshall, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Crescent Chip CookiesWith their cute curved shape, crescents always make charming additions to a Christmas platter. I dip the cooled cookies in chocolate and sprinkle on walnuts. —Ann Eastman, Sacramento, California
Cookie Jar GingersnapsThis gingersnap cookie recipe results in fluffy, delicious cookies that'll satiate your sweet tooth.
Baklava Thumbprint CookiesThe topping on my sister-in-law's peach cobbler was so delicious that I asked for the recipe; then I decided to use that to top a cookie I developed with the flavors of baklava. My adult son tried one and immediately ate two more—which is unusual for him! It's a good recipe to mix up the night before and bake fresh the next day for company. —Sharon Eshelman, Harrington, Delaware
Chocolate Caramel Kiss CookiesI make this cookie every Christmas with my family. It’s a fun twist on a classic peanut butter blossom because of the cinnamon in the batter and the caramel kiss on top. We love the cinnamon-caramel combination, but you could switch out the kiss for a different festive flavor. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Frosted Anise Sugar CookiesThese soft, cake-like cookies have a pleasant anise flavor that's distinct but not overpowering. I add red and green sprinkles for Christmas, but you could decorate them to suit any occasion.—Janice Eanni, Willowick, Ohio
Potato Chip CrunchiesWhen my family comes home, I like having treats ready for them. No matter what's on the cookie tray, these are always the first to vanish. —Dorothy Buiter, Worth, Illinois
Coconut CloudsCoconut lovers will have extra reason to celebrate when they taste these cakelike drop cookies. The generous frosting and coconut topping make them a hit at holiday cookie swaps. —Donna Scofield, Yakima, Washington
Spumoni SlicesMy sweet rectangles get their name from the old-fashioned tri-colored ice cream. Our whole family prefers them. —Mary Chupp, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Mexican Hot Chocolate CookiesWhen it’s baking time, my family lobbies for these Mexican crinkle cookies. You can replace 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate with 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder plus 1 Tbsp. shortening, butter or oil.—Kim Kenyon, Greenwood, Missouri
Festive ThumbprintsI never cared for jam-filled thumbprints, so I decided to fill them with frosting instead. This makes them easy to ship, which you can’t do with the sticky jam filling. I sent these to my daughter while she was serving in Iraq, and they made the long haul in perfect condition. —Wendy Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota
Basic Chocolate Pinwheel CookiesImpress your guests with these visually appealing pinwheel cookies. Our easy-to-follow recipe combines classic vanilla and rich chocolate doughs into a beautiful, swirled treat that requires just 15 minutes to prep.
Raspberry RibbonsI make these attractive, buttery cookies to serve at our remote guest lodge, and all the cooks in the kitchen are addicted to them! —Patsy Wolfenden, Golden, British Columbia
Crystallized Gingerbread Chocolate Chip CookiesThis recipe is the best of twp worlds—gingerbread and chocolate chip cookies. Since they're combined, you don't have to choose between them. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
ZimtsterneDuring December, homes and bakeries in Switzerland are filled with the aroma of classic cookies like these "Zimtsterne." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Sandwich CookiesThese are my family's very favorite cookies. They're soft, chewy and totally delicious. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Christmas Brunch
- Milk
- Eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Veggies
- Bread
- Fruit
- Bacon or sausage (or both!)
- Coffee—try the new blend from Taste of Home for free!
Pecan Coffee CakeMy mom serves this nutty coffee cake for Christmas breakfast each year. The simple recipe is a big timesaver on such an event-filled morning. Everyone loves the crunchy topping. —Becky Wax, Tuscola, Illinois
Amish Breakfast CasseroleWe enjoyed hearty breakfast casseroles during a visit to an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the women told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it a bit to create this version that my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Chiles Rellenos Breakfast BakeMy family loves anything with a Southwestern flavor, so I turned classic chiles rellenos into a breakfast casserole. They became fans in an instant. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Baked French ToastAny day is special when Mom makes one of her French toast recipes, like this do-ahead baked version. —Jill Baughman, New York, New York
Breakfast Burrito CasseroleA friend gave me this burrito casserole recipe and I modified it to fit our family. It's perfect for a brunch, because you can prep it the night before and bake it the next morning. —Krista Yoder, Due West, South Carolina
Sticky Cinnamon-Sugar Monkey BreadYou can do all the prep work for this monkey bread the night before. I prepare the dough pieces and put all the sauce ingredients in the pan so it's ready for the morning. You can sprinkle chopped nuts in with the dough pieces before pouring the sauce on and baking. — Diana Kunselman, Rimersburg, Pennsylvania
Maple Bacon Walnut Coffee CakeWake up the sleepyheads in your household with this moist, tender coffee cake that’s both sweet and savory. Bacon and nuts in the crumbly topping blend with flavors of maple, nutmeg and cinnamon. Yum! —Angela Spengler, Clovis, New Mexico
Fiesta Breakfast BakeI get a kick out of making breakfast for a crowd when I have weekend guests, and my family also loves breakfast for dinner. I created this dish by combining my family's favorite southwestern flavors in an all-in-one-pan recipe.—Whitney Gilbert, Smithville, Missouri
Blueberry Crunch Breakfast BakeBlueberries in season make this a very special breakfast, but I find that frozen berries can work just as well. My grandmother used to make this with strawberries and I always loved to eat it at her house.—Marsha Ketaner, Henderson, Nevada
Sunrise Sausage EnchiladasThese delicious enchiladas are equally good made with cubed ham. Prepare ahead, refrigerate and bake when ready for a convenient breakfast twist. —Deb LeBlanc, Phillipsburg, Kansas
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast CasseroleThis crescent roll breakfast casserole is the perfect dish to make your mornings easier and more delicious. Whether for a weekend brunch or a special occasion, this recipe will delight everyone at the table.
Overnight Pumpkin French Toast CasseroleRecipes that don't tie me to the kitchen—that’s what I’m all about. I make this luscious dish the night before breakfast or brunch with guests. —Patricia Harmon, Baden, Pennsylvania
Italian Baked Eggs & SausageThis isn't your typical egg bake! I serve this robust casserole of eggs, Italian sausage and fire-roasted tomatoes in bowls with warm, crusty rolls spread with butter. —Shelly Bevington-Fisher, Hermiston, Oregon
Pear and Apple Coffee CakeThe mix of apples, pears and sour cream gives this coffee cake a moist texture. —Debbie Vanni, Libertyville, Illinois
Hash Brown Breakfast CasseroleOur delicious and easy hash brown breakfast casserole gives you the best bits of breakfast in every bite!
Bananas Foster French ToastThis decadent overnight bananas Foster French toast recipe will take your brunch game to the next level.
Amish Baked OatmealThe first time I had this treat was at a bed-and-breakfast in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. To me, it tasted just like a big warm-from-the-oven oatmeal cookie! —Colleen Butler, Inwood, West Virginia
Hawaiian Ham StrataI came up with this recipe because I love Hawaiian pizza and wanted a casserole I could make ahead and pop in the oven at the last minute. This is a perfect main dish to take to a potluck. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Overnight Asparagus StrataI've made this tasty egg dish for breakfast, brunch, even dinner as a side dish. This is not your run-of-the-mill strata. —Lynn Licata, Sylvania, Ohio
Brunch Ham EnchiladasWhen I'm expecting company for brunch, the menu often features this tried-and-true casserole. With ham, eggs and plenty of cheese, the enchiladas are flavorful, hearty and fun. And they're easy to assemble the day before.
—Gail Sykora, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
Oven French Toast with Nut ToppingBaked French toast makes a special morning brunch so easy! —Donna Justin, Sparta, Wisconsin
Elegant Smoked Salmon StrataThis fancy overnight egg bake is ideal for guests. In the morning, you can simply let it come to room temperature and whip up side dishes as it bakes. Then get ready for compliments! —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Farmer's StrataFor an inexpensive and easy-to-prepare dish, try this hearty casserole. You can assemble it ahead and bake it just before leaving for a potluck. People go back for seconds since it includes tasty basic ingredients like bacon, cheese and potatoes. —Pat Kuether, Westminster, Colorado
Apple Pan GoodyI found the recipe for this unique casserole years ago and adapted it to my family's taste. Dotted with dried cranberries, the tender apple bake is sweetened with brown sugar and a little cinnamon. We enjoy it on breakfast buffets, but it also makes a fun side dish, particularly with a pork entree. —Jeanne Bredemeyer, Orient, New York
Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast BakeMy grandmother created this recipe to use up the leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner. By combining the leftover ham and biscuits with her homemade apple butter, milk and eggs, she could serve us all a warm, delicious breakfast and still have time to spend with the grandchildren. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Reuben and Rye StrataThis make-ahead dish is wonderful for brunch, lunch or supper, and it’s so easy to prepare. If you prefer it, substitute turkey pastrami for the corned beef. —Mary Louise Lever, Rome, Georgia
Baked Blueberry-Mascarpone French ToastWhen I want something special to serve my guests for a Saturday or Sunday brunch, I turn to this recipe. It never fails. It's wonderful during the spring and early summer because the blueberries are particularly good this time of year. —Patricia C. Quinn, Omaha, Nebraska
Spinach Feta Strata A friend shared this strata recipe with me, and my family loved it the first time I made it. It's become a favorite way to eat spinach. —Pat Lane, Pullman, Washington
Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon GritsIn the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Italian Apricot-Pancetta StrataFor me, the combination of sweet and savory along with easy preparation make this Italian-inspired strata a winning dish for home cooks everywhere! It can be served for breakfast, brunch, or as a late afternoon meal.—Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Hash Brown & Chicken Brunch CasseroleMy husband and I love to have a hot breakfast, but find it difficult with two kids. This dish is excellent to prepare the night before and bake the next day for your family or to take into work to share with co-workers—there are never any leftovers.—Jennifer Berry, Lexington, Ohio
Streusel-Topped Blueberry Waffle CasseroleI had company coming and needed a new breakfast casserole, so I made up this nutty idea using waffles. My neighbors and husband were happy taste testers. —Joan Hallford, Fort Worth, Texas
Ham
- Ham—here’s how to pick the right one for your dinner
- Brown sugar
- Whole cloves
Festive Ham GlazeMy glaze dates back to shortly after my husband (of 23 years now) and I were married. I cooked a Christmas ham with this glaze—and I've done it that same way from then on.
Hosting a smaller celebration this year? Try this ham steak recipe that serves just 6.
Apricot-Glazed HamGlaze a bone-in ham with apricot jam for a Christmas entree that's beautiful and delicious. Any leftovers will make meal planning a breeze later in the week. —Galelah Dowell, Fairland, Oklahoma
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our Christmas ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Root Beer Glazed HamFor a unique spin on the traditional glazed ham recipe, try this southern specialty where the secret ingredient is root beer! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Orange-Glazed HamThis delicious Christmas ham looked like a sparkling jewel on the table when my mom served it for our holiday dinner. The flavor of the spice rub penetrates through every tender slice. Even its enticing aroma while baking can't match the wonderful taste. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Baked Ham with Cherry SauceThere's nothing I'd rather serve for Christmas dinner or another special occasion than succulent baked ham. My recipe features a rub that adds flavor to the meat plus a delicious cherry sauce with a hint of almond. —Lavonn Bormuth, Westerville, Ohio
Cranberry Glazed HamThat show-stopping entree you've been hoping for is right here, and it only takes five ingredients to make. The sweet and tangy cranberry glaze pairs beautifully with succulent ham. —Joni Peterson, Wichita, Kansas
Bourbon-Glazed HamSmoky and sweet flavors come through in every bite of this Kentucky-style Christmas ham. Since I found this recipe, it’s the only ham I make. —Sue Schiller, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Maple-Peach Glazed HamThis is one of my husband's favorite recipes. He makes it regularly for his group of friends on the weekends because it's so good and easy. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Homemade Rolls
- Yeast
- Flour
- Salt
Sage-Apple Cider BreadWho knew sage and apple cider would create such a fantastic bread? This versatile loaf that has just a hint of sweetness makes wonderful sandwiches or stuffing. It's one of the best Thanksgiving bread recipes I've served for the holiday. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Buttery Dinner RollsThese lovely buttery dinner rolls are tender, fluffy and delicious when eaten warm from the oven. —Debbie Leonard, Roseburg, Oregon
Wild Rice & Cranberry LoavesThis is an incredibly fragrant bread with lots of texture from wild rice and dried cranberries. It's hearty enough for sandwiches, but with a touch of honey, I could even eat this for dessert! —Barbara Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Old-Fashioned Brown BreadThis chewy, old-fashioned bread boasts a slightly sweet flavor that will transport you back to the old days. —Patricia Donnelly, Kings Landing, New Brunswick
Oatmeal Dinner RollsThese fluffy rolls go perfectly with any meal. They have a delicious homemade flavor that's irresistible. I like them because they're not hard to make and they bake up nice and high. —Patricia Staudt, Marble Rock, Iowa
Dutch Oven BreadWho doesn't love rustic Thanksgiving bread recipes like this one? Enjoy this beautiful crusty bread recipe as is, or stir in a few favorites like cheese, garlic, herbs and dried fruits. —Catherine Ward, Taste of Home Prep Kitchen Manager
Honey CornbreadNix the box mix for this homemade honey cornbread recipe. It’s comforting and complements savory dishes effortlessly.
Crusty BreadThis easy crusty bread recipe proves that you absolutely can make a bakery-quality loaf at home—no kneading required. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try variations with cheddar, herbs and more.
Crescent Dinner RollsThese light, golden rolls have a heavenly homemade flavor and aroma. Mom never hesitates to whip up a batch of these from-scratch rolls, since they're a delightful way to round out a meal. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
Bacon Walnut Bread with Honey ButterMy savory walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing is complemented by the sweetness of honey-flavored butter. Cut yourself a thick slice, slather on the butter and enjoy!—Pam Ivbuls, Omaha, Nebraska
Pumpkin-Shaped RollsThese cute pumpkin-shaped rolls are worth the effort. They're a festive fall favorite in my household. If you don't have pumpkin on hand, try using sweet potato. —Veronica Fay, Knoxville, Tennessee
No-Fuss RollsWith only 4 ingredients, these delicious rolls are ready in no time. They're fantastic with herb butter or jam. —Glenda Trail, Manchester, Tennessee
Italian BreadA basket of Italian bread complements any meal. Make your own loaves at home with our simple, straightforward recipe, then use them for sandwiches or just for sopping up some sauce.
Herb Buttermilk Dinner RollsWhen I couldn't find a recipe for dinner rolls, I created my own using a variety of herbs for extra flavor. —Sue Friesen, Thorold, Ontario
Swiss Beer BreadThis recipe is a favorite of my family because it isn't greasy like most of the other cheese breads I have tried. It will not last long! —Debi Wallace, Chestertown, New York
Grandma’s Rosemary Dinner RollsMy grandma (I called her Baba) made these in her coal oven. How she regulated the temperature is beyond me! She always made extra rolls for the neighbors to bake in their own ovens. My mom and aunts would deliver the formed rolls at lunchtime. —Charlotte Hendershot, Hudson, Pennsylvania
Rosemary Walnut BreadI received this recipe from a friend who was moving into a new apartment. To celebrate, she made this bread to share and now it is served at many of my family functions.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Mashed Potatoes
- Potatoes
- Butter
- Milk, cream or yogurt
Salad
- Lettuce (or other greens)
- Citrus fruit
- Dressing
Butternut Squash Panzanella SaladMaking 8 servings, this fall recipe is perfect for serving at any mid-size holiday gathering. The key to its success? Precut chunks of butternut squash. You can also make substitutes depending on what ingredients you have on hand. Pecans are great in place of the almonds, and watercress works well instead of the arugula or spinach.
Bacon Caesar SaladBring the reliability and creaminess of a restaurant-quality Caesar salad to your table with a recipe that doesn't complicate. With crispy bacon for a bit of texture and saltiness, even the salad skeptics at the table will dig in.
Roasted Pear SaladThis fantastical fall salad comes together in a bowl full of color and texture. Sweet roasted pears marry with tart cranberries, crunchy hazelnuts and watercress, bringing tons of sweetness to your bowl. Once everything is dressed in this light vinaigrette, you'll have a hard time keeping this off of guests' plates.
World’s Best Kale SaladThe crunchy, dark green leaves of kale stand up well to the light, olive oil-based dressing for this salad. Parmesan and blue cheese make the salad unbeatable while the cranberries and almonds give us the nutty sweetness we love most in fall salads.
Mushroom PanzanellaPillows of sourdough meet tomatoes and an assemblage of mushrooms with warmed goat cheese for a dish so comforting you'll want to curl up and eat the whole thing. Pine nuts, golden raisins and spicy arugula are the high notes in this luxurious flavor gold mine.
Boston Lettuce with Roasted Red OnionsThe day before Thanksgiving, you'll fill the kitchen with the intoxicating scent of roasting red onion, a perfect invitation to the oncoming feast. This salad tucks those magenta layers into a beautiful head of Boston lettuce, and adds dots of Gorgonzola and walnuts into this rich take on the "wedge". A dose of acid from a refreshing orange and balsamic vinaigrette makes this salad bright and assertive.
Pomegranate Splash SaladRefresh everyone's palate with this callback to summer. Cool baby spinach leaves provide a platform for some briny feta cheese. There are so many flavors here to focus on—your tongue popping the juicy pomegranate seeds and sweet raspberries, the earthiness of pine nuts and a surprisingly tart cranberry and rice vinegar dressing.
Prosciutto, Pear & Burrata SaladThis might be the classiest salad offering your fork will ever find. Prosciutto and fresh burrata meet spicy arugula for a wonderful textural blend. Sweet red pears and capers add a layer of complexity, and the whole shebang needs nothing more than a light dressing of olive oil and balsamic.
Turnip Greens SaladTo keep things interesting, switch out the greens in your basic garden salad with the dark, vitamin-rich green of turnip leaves. A classic Dijon vinaigrette brings together classic ingredients like cucumber, red onion and tomato, and invites some surprising bites of cranberries and feta. A pinch of cayenne gives this unintimidating salad an unexpected punch.
Bacon Pear Salad with Parmesan DressingHearkening to a summer picnic table, this fall adaptation has a little of something for everyone. Kale, bacon and pepper jack make a hearty base, while pears add a crunch under the dressing of creamy Dijon and mayonnaise.
Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprouts SaladBursting with vitamins and minerals, this powerhouse salad will ensure you get your daily vegetable intake and then some this holiday season. Make this Thanksgiving salad in advance—letting it chill in the fridge is key to allowing the flavors to meld. In need of some sweetness? A ripe pear can be quite the addition.
Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa SaladFull of festive color and flair, this Thanksgiving salad recipe is easy to modify—it works well with just about any nuts or dried fruit you have in stock.
Harvest Salad with Cherry VinaigretteIf Thanksgiving is a holiday of bounty, nothing will impress like this harvest salad. Piled with color, crunch, flavor and texture, each forkful will yield a bevy of ingredients. Earthy beets and apples bring color before you embark on a rainbow of vegetables: carrots, red and yellow tomatoes and spring mixed greens.
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladA tangy, homemade balsamic dressing pairs well with sweet, tender grilled apples in this quick and filling Thanksgiving salad. Wondering what apple to use here? Check out our guide to the best apples for baking, cooking and eating!
Winter Beet SaladFor fans of roasted beets, this is one of the best Thanksgiving salad recipes. And it's well worth the time it takes to come together. Take a shortcut by using packaged salad greens—just be sure to wash them.
Pear Harvest SaladEnd up with way too much leftover turkey? Turn it into a delicious day-after-Thanksgiving salad recipe! The addition of cubed avocados, honey-roasted almonds and pears make this harvest salad not only hearty but healthy as well.
Shaved Brussels Sprout SaladFor a low-calorie salad for your holiday party, look no further than this flavorful Thanksgiving salad recipe! The key to tender Brussels sprouts is refrigerating the salad for as long as possible before serving.
Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Maple VinaigretteBright colors and bold flavors make this one of our favorite Thanksgiving salads to serve! Don't skip the crumbled blue cheese topping—it pairs exceptionally well with this dish's sweet homemade honey-maple vinaigrette.
Wendy’s Apple Pomegranate SaladA longtime favorite, this tart Thanksgiving salad recipe is sure to create unforgettable memories when served at your next holiday feast. Best of all, it's ready in just 20 minutes and is only 165 calories a serving!
Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish VinaigretteUncompromising on taste, this flavorful Thanksgiving salad showcases kale, a highly nutritious green and incredible superfood. Not a fan of this leafy green? Use collards, mustard greens or a mix of spinach and arugula instead.
Wilted Spinach Salad with Butternut SquashThe epitome of Thanksgiving salad recipes, this dish feels exactly like fall. A decadent start to your holiday meal, the warm balsamic vinaigrette is key to transforming the salad's simple ingredients into something special. First time sauteing squash? Here's how to safely peel and cut winter squash.
Roquefort Pear SaladReady in 20 minutes, this seriously quick Thanksgiving salad is perfect for a large crowd—it makes enough for 10 servings and, aside from the dressing, only requires five ingredients! Not a fan of mustard vinaigrette? Try it with this homemade blue cheese dressing instead.
Sweet Potato & Chickpea SaladPerfect for a holiday potluck, this Thanksgiving salad recipe is light on the calories, but its flavors are through the roof! For an added crunch, roast the chickpeas in the oven alongside the sweet potatoes.
Citrus & Roasted Beets SaladThis recipe is great if you're looking to add some color to your holiday table. The roasted beets add a rich earthiness, which is balanced out by the tart pieces of citrus. Want to make this salad more filling? Add some shredded turkey.
Hot Spinach Apple SaladSix ingredients and 20 minutes are all you need to bring one of our favorite Thanksgiving salad recipes to life. This holiday potluck recipe makes 10 servings of fresh green goodness!
Cranberry Sauce
- Whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
- Sugar
- Orange
Spiced Cranberry SauceWhile this cranberry sauce is simmering, the wonderful fragrance of the spices brings back happy memories of when my mother made it for the holidays. My husband and three sons are glad I’m carrying on her tradition! —Allison Thompson, Lansing Michigan
Cranberry FluffThis fluffy fruit salad gets its sweet-tart flavor from cranberries and whipped cream. We like it because it's not as sweet as many other "fluffs." I'm often asked for the secret to this luscious holiday salad. —Lavonne Hartel, Williston, North Dakota
Cranberry SauceI turn to this recipe frequently because I can prepare it a day ahead—it's so convenient when company's coming. And with only a trace of fat, the fruity side dish is nutritious and delicious.—Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Apricot-Apple Cranberry SauceThough I prefer this as a side dish, my sister swears it makes the best topping in the world for a slice of Thanksgiving turkey. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Cranberry ConserveI'm 95, and I still remember my grandmother from Germany making this lovely, delicious conserve for the holidays. She'd give it to family members and friends. It tastes great served as a relish alongside meat or even spread on biscuits.
-Mildred Marsh Banker, Austin, Texas
Chipotle-Orange Cranberry SauceMy family prefers traditional dishes on Christmas, but I like to add in a few of my own unique creations. With brown sugar, cinnamon and chipotle powder for a little kick, this cranberry sauce will earn a permanent spot in your holiday lineup. —Chris Michalowski, Dallas, Texas
Don’t forget to add all your family favorite ingredients to this list! Now, get that shopping done and enjoy a few Hallmark movies before company comes. You should be able to find everything your family needs for a merry Christmas! If you’re still stuck—see what stores are open on Christmas Day.
